Frank Lampard has hit back at Jose Mourinho for his ill-timed questioning of Antonio Rudiger’s integrity.
Lampard said: ‘I think to question his integrity in that time is disappointing.
‘I think pretty universally, certainly what I heard on the commentary and post-match reflection is that the Son incident was a red card.
‘Now I said it after the game, it wasn’t a brutal red card, but it was an instinctive one that warrants a red card in the modern day. VAR took a couple of minutes, so there was no excuse for the referee not seeing it real, or whatever, the VAR saw it perfectly.
‘So it’s pretty clear that was the case. I wouldn’t question Toni’s integrity on that. If it becomes a question of people standing up or falling down in the Premier League, I think there were a couple of incidents in the last 15 minutes of the game where Tottenham players were going over in the box attempting to win a penalty.
‘So we can open up that debate, not just the red card but on mini incidents across many games. I do defend Toni firmly on it.’
Rudiger issued his own response to Sunday’s incidents on social media, ending a lengthy post by saying ‘it’s just such a shame that racism still exists in 2019. When will this nonsense stop?’
Lampard added: ‘I saw Toni’s social media post, I thought it was well put, from the heart and something he obviously feels very strongly about. I’ll speak to him literally after this this morning when I see him.
‘I would like to think that the players know I am with them on anything like this. We had a similar situation with Tammy, I was pretty firm on that and behind the scenes with Tammy and I will have exactly the similar conversation with Toni this morning.
‘To know that I support him and all my players in any of these situations.’
Muubpry
461
Lampard definitely knows how to put things in perspective and support the team or an individual the right way. Not like how Jose does it to find excuses everytime! Lamps all the way 💪💙
KTBFFH05
331
Jose always thinks he is right... Lampard is just speaking the truth with a level head
EmerieVal
290
Seems Mourinho is attempting to bring out the Mourinho in Lampard after successfully bringing out the Lampard in Lampard earlier in his career
Drtoro
182
As a Man Utd supporter, Frank Lampard was the one of the players in Chelsea that I adored for his work ethic and professionalism. He’s very tact, straight to the point in his speeches, without any ambiguity. And he’s transformed this trait to his coaching career. I have no doubt in my mind that he will make a great manager. He’s the type that players will do their utmost to make him succeed because he was like that as a player. As par Mourinho’s comments, it’s unfortunate he had to attack Ruddiiger without a mention of the recklessness of Son. You don’t expect someone to kick out like Son did and not expect a reaction from Ruddiger. The VAR was spot on in sending him off. Such petulance shouldn’t be encouraged.
DaMhztourage
121
Lampard vs Mourinho : From football father-son relationship to cats and dogs affairs fighting dirty now 😂😂